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How Can Chronic Lumbar Strain Be Managed?
Question:
I have a chronic lumbar strain. I've been doing well until early afternoon today. It spasmed badly again after doing well for 3 months. My doctor has prescribed physical therapy in the past which has helped with the tightness and 3 prescriptions. I would have called him today to ask how many hours apart to take them but I thought I would remember but right now do not. I've only taken 1 10 mg. cyclobenzaprine oral at 3:00 p.m. I'd like to try and sleep now (it's 9:00 p.m) in Seattle but I'm afraid to take l Hydrocodone Acetaminophen for the pain but feel nervous about it. I'm very fit for my age, but think I did too much swimming and walking Sunday and Monday. I have a strong heart even though I take blood pressure meds. every morning. I'm 5'5" and 138 pounds. Thank you.
I have a chronic lumbar strain. I've been doing well until early afternoon today. It spasmed badly again after doing well for 3 months. My doctor has prescribed physical therapy in the past which has helped with the tightness and 3 prescriptions. I would have called him today to ask how many hours apart to take them but I thought I would remember but right now do not. I've only taken 1 10 mg. cyclobenzaprine oral at 3:00 p.m. I'd like to try and sleep now (it's 9:00 p.m) in Seattle but I'm afraid to take l Hydrocodone Acetaminophen for the pain but feel nervous about it. I'm very fit for my age, but think I did too much swimming and walking Sunday and Monday. I have a strong heart even though I take blood pressure meds. every morning. I'm 5'5" and 138 pounds. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Detail below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Lower back pain is quite COMMON among middle aged individuals. Back muscle strain is one of the MOST common causes of acute to severe lower back pain. Lifting a heavy object, twisting, or a sudden movement can cause muscles or ligaments stretch or develop microscopic tears.
Some other underlying causes like Sciatica, Spondylitis, Lumbar herniated disc, Degenerative disc disease, Isthmic spondylolisthesis etc should be ruled out through clinical examination and radiological investigation (like X- ray, CT scan, Myelogram, MRI etc). Kindly, consult with Orthopedic surgeon regarding this for proper management of the case.
TREATMENT: Some general guidelines can help you to reduce lower back pain. These are as follows:
1) Take adequate bed REST with maintaining posture. Individuals who do not regularly exercise to build strength and flexibility are more likely to experience recurrent or prolonged lower back pain.
2) Alternate Hot water bottle or Ice pack can help to relieve most types of low back pain by reducing inflammation.
3) Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are quite useful to reduce inflammation and back pain. You need proper prescription from your doctor.
4) Exercise for Lower Back Pain : It is a key element of almost any lower back pain treatment plan. You may contact with Physiotherapist regarding this.
It includes 3 components: aerobic conditioning, stretching, and strengthening. The exercises are done through a controlled, progressive program to build more strong and flexible spine.
5) Epidural Steroid Injections - deliver steroids directly into the painful area of the lower back to reduce inflammation. It doesn't heal the components of the back, but often provide enough pain relief to allow patients to move, exercise and heal.
You can do swimming and walking but with in normal limits.
For cost for asking a doctor a question you can contact costumer care.
I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Praveen Tayal
Detail below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Lower back pain is quite COMMON among middle aged individuals. Back muscle strain is one of the MOST common causes of acute to severe lower back pain. Lifting a heavy object, twisting, or a sudden movement can cause muscles or ligaments stretch or develop microscopic tears.
Some other underlying causes like Sciatica, Spondylitis, Lumbar herniated disc, Degenerative disc disease, Isthmic spondylolisthesis etc should be ruled out through clinical examination and radiological investigation (like X- ray, CT scan, Myelogram, MRI etc). Kindly, consult with Orthopedic surgeon regarding this for proper management of the case.
TREATMENT: Some general guidelines can help you to reduce lower back pain. These are as follows:
1) Take adequate bed REST with maintaining posture. Individuals who do not regularly exercise to build strength and flexibility are more likely to experience recurrent or prolonged lower back pain.
2) Alternate Hot water bottle or Ice pack can help to relieve most types of low back pain by reducing inflammation.
3) Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are quite useful to reduce inflammation and back pain. You need proper prescription from your doctor.
4) Exercise for Lower Back Pain : It is a key element of almost any lower back pain treatment plan. You may contact with Physiotherapist regarding this.
It includes 3 components: aerobic conditioning, stretching, and strengthening. The exercises are done through a controlled, progressive program to build more strong and flexible spine.
5) Epidural Steroid Injections - deliver steroids directly into the painful area of the lower back to reduce inflammation. It doesn't heal the components of the back, but often provide enough pain relief to allow patients to move, exercise and heal.
You can do swimming and walking but with in normal limits.
For cost for asking a doctor a question you can contact costumer care.
I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Praveen Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
To Dr. Tayal,
Thank you for your reply. You have given me a very comprehensive answer. Everything you mentioned I'm already aware of. I had an M.R.I . this year and my spine is very healthy. I have stayed active all of my life and have had many hours of Physical Therapy over the last few years. I have been
a lap swimmer for over 20 years but think I may have overdone my swim 3 days ago. I think there are 2 factors which likely trigger this: moving too much and not within "reasonable boundaries as you have specified and require more stretching in the hamstring, hip and or core areas. But have not yet found a Physical Therapist who looks at me as an individual case and doesn't just throw out all the standard procedures that often irritate my condition but have probably worked for other individuals.
My question was specifically about the safety of taking the medication my own doctor prescribed because they're weren't specific directions on the Prescription containers and I was having the pain after doctor hours and get nervous when I have to take anything other than aspirin. I don't like these strong meds. but in my case they are the only things that help speed my recovery. The spasms I experience are always severe. I also use icing and heating etc. When I'm better, I'm definitely going to consult an orthopedic surgeon to gain some further insights. This has been very troubling for me because it doesn't make sense. I have friends in my age group who are sedentary and very overweight and have never had lower back spasms. Nor do they do stretching.
So again thank you for your medical explanations, care instructions and good wishes.
Sincerely
Thank you for your reply. You have given me a very comprehensive answer. Everything you mentioned I'm already aware of. I had an M.R.I . this year and my spine is very healthy. I have stayed active all of my life and have had many hours of Physical Therapy over the last few years. I have been
a lap swimmer for over 20 years but think I may have overdone my swim 3 days ago. I think there are 2 factors which likely trigger this: moving too much and not within "reasonable boundaries as you have specified and require more stretching in the hamstring, hip and or core areas. But have not yet found a Physical Therapist who looks at me as an individual case and doesn't just throw out all the standard procedures that often irritate my condition but have probably worked for other individuals.
My question was specifically about the safety of taking the medication my own doctor prescribed because they're weren't specific directions on the Prescription containers and I was having the pain after doctor hours and get nervous when I have to take anything other than aspirin. I don't like these strong meds. but in my case they are the only things that help speed my recovery. The spasms I experience are always severe. I also use icing and heating etc. When I'm better, I'm definitely going to consult an orthopedic surgeon to gain some further insights. This has been very troubling for me because it doesn't make sense. I have friends in my age group who are sedentary and very overweight and have never had lower back spasms. Nor do they do stretching.
So again thank you for your medical explanations, care instructions and good wishes.
Sincerely
Brief Answer:
Cyclobenzaprine twice a day will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You can take cyclobenzaprine twice a day after meals. The pain killer- hydrocodone and acetaminophen can be taken every 8 hours. These should improve the spasms in a week. Do increase your electrolyte rich fluid intake too.
Hope my answer is helpful. Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards
Cyclobenzaprine twice a day will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You can take cyclobenzaprine twice a day after meals. The pain killer- hydrocodone and acetaminophen can be taken every 8 hours. These should improve the spasms in a week. Do increase your electrolyte rich fluid intake too.
Hope my answer is helpful. Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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